Lecture (1) Oni in Japan: Demons, Political Power, and Compassion

This podcast lecture, Oni: Japan's Mythical Icons of Transformation and Redemption, explores the enduring symbolism and adaptability of Oni in Japanese cultural heritage and contemporary narratives. Tracing their origins as supernatural entities rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, the lecture examines how Oni evolved from representations of external threats to figures embodying internal struggles and universal themes of transformation, liminality, and resilience. Oni challenge conventional boundaries between good and evil, human and supernatural, while navigating the transitions between destruction and renewal. Their commodification in global media and integration into modern storytelling underscore their relevance as dynamic symbols of both cultural heritage and the complexities of the human experience. This engaging exploration reveals how myths evolve to resonate across time and society.